The Parallel of Mary to Jesus
Richard M. Bennett

In spite of the Biblical truth, “My glory will I not give to another” [1] Roman Catholicism constructs a parallel of Mary to Jesus, and even to the Holy Spirit.  The Roman Catholic system’s teaching consistently declares that attributes and offices of the Lord Christ Jesus are applicable to Mary.   The table below shows that the strategy underlying the presentation of the dogmas on the Roman Catholic Mary is to parallel either the Lord Himself or to substitute for the Holy Spirit.     

Parallel A: Jesus Christ’s unique sinlessness - Mary’s declared sinless

1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

#491  “Through the centuries the [Roman Catholic] Church has become ever more aware that Mary, ‘full of grace’ through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception.  That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:

The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”

#493  “...By the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long.”

Parallel A Biblical response

The idea of the “Immaculate Conception” assigned to Mary by the Roman Catholic system is not Scriptural.  The term as used by the Roman system has nothing to do with the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ, but rather means Mary’s own conception in the womb of her mother. Romans 3:23  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” applied to Mary as to all believers, this and the passages below Mary’s position as a saved sinner

a. Luke 2:24  [Joseph and Mary came to Jerusalem] “to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” [In accordance with Lev. 12:8 “as a burnt offering, sin offering”]

b. Luke 1:46-47  “And Mary said: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior....’”

c. Luke 11:27-28  “And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.’  But He said, ‘Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’”

Mary-"ever-virgin" is part of the myth of sinlessness that the Roman Catholic Church ascribes to Mary.

2.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

# 499 “The deepening of faith in the virginal motherhood led the Church to confess Mary's real and perpetual virginity even in the act of giving birth to the Son of God made man. In fact, Christ's birth ‘did not diminish his mother's virginal integrity but sanctified it.’ And so the liturgy of the Church celebrates Mary as Aeiparthenos, the ‘Ever-virgin’”

The “ever Virgin” role assigned to Mary by the Roman Church is not Scriptural. 

Matthew 1:24-25  “Then Joseph… took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.  And he called His name Jesus.”

Mark 6:3  “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?  And are not His sisters here with us?  And they were offended at Him.”

Matthew 13:55-56  “Is this not the carpenter’s son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?”

Mark 3:31-32  “Then came His brothers and His mother came, standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him.  And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.”  

John 2:12  “After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.”

Acts 1:14  “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

From these texts of Scripture it is very clear that Jesus had brothers and sisters.  The Holy Spirit is the author of all Scripture and in the words of II Peter 1:21  “. . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  The Holy Spirit used the precise language of Greek in which there is a clear distinction between brother “adelphos” lit. a (from) delphus (womb), and nephew “anepsios” a cousin, or sister’s son.  Just as the Apostle Paul, under the Holy Spirit states the exactness of God’s word in Gal.  3:16, in distinguishing in God’s written Word, saying “seed” rather than “seeds”.  In the same Galatians epistle the same Apostle calls James “the Lord’s brother”, “adelphos” brother, rather than “anepsios” cousin.

The Holy Spirit is also utterly precise in Mark 6:3.  He uses the singular, the distinct word for brother: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother “adelphos” of James. . .”  Others who rationalize that brothers mean disciples or followers are silenced by the Holy Spirit in John 2:12  “. . . He [the Lord], and His mother and His brethren and His disciples. . .”

The Roman Catholic rationalization that says, “Mary kept her resolve and had no other children”, is absolutely absurd.  Had Joseph and Mary agreed to virginity in their marriage, it would have been a sin against the Lord’s command in His specific word to Joseph, “. . . Thou son of David fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy wife. . .” (Matt. 1:20) Joseph did as directed by the Holy Spirit.  Further Matthew. 1:25 records, “and knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son. . .”

The Lord’s command to husbands is clear and precise in Proverbs 5:18-19  “Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.”  For Mary to make a private vow to break her covenant with her husband would have been a sin against God in His written Word.

The Biblical Mary is truly a believer whom all generations should call blessed among women, but she is not above them.  Neither is she to be exalted above believers.  The New Testament does not contain the slightest hint of her occupying a position of special respect among other believers.  The Blessedness of Mary was in the demonstration of divine favor toward her, especially in the calling to be the mother of the Lord.  This was an act of sovereign choice on God’s part, and prophetically consequential to her lineage in the royal House of David.  She, as a believer, and according to God’s Word to her, conceived and brought forth Christ Jesus the Lord, as a virgin.  Later in obedience to the Lord’s written Word she was a wife to Joseph and a mother of their children.  This contrived superstition of Mary’s ‘perpetual virginity’ is held and promoted by the Roman Church to provide a foundation not only for viewing Mary as a special being in her own right, but also by extension to idolize the celibate state as a means to enter a higher plane of personal sanctity and access to God.  But the plain truth is that like all other genuine believers, Mary of Bethlehem was a sinner saved by God’s grace, through faith, not by any essential righteousness or preserving grace granted in her own birth, nor in any sanctity achieved by a pious and God-fearing life.

Parallel B: Grace and salvation are in Christ alone to Mary’s place in grace and salvation

1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) 

Under the heading, “...she is our Mother in the order of grace”, the Catechism teaches officially:

#968  “Her role in relation to the Church and to all humanity goes still further. ‘In a wholly singular way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope, and burning charity in the Savior’s work of restoring supernatural life to souls.  For this reason she is a mother to us in the order of grace.’”

#969  “This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect.  Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the [Roman Catholic] Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.”

#494  “...As St. Irenaeus says, ‘Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.’”

#1172  “In celebrating this annual cycle of the mysteries of Christ, Holy Church honors the Blessed Mary, Mother of God, with a special love.  She is inseparably linked with the saving work of her Son.”

Parallel B Biblical response

           God Graciousness in Salvation does not have a mother; it is the work of Christ and Him alone. It is grace that is everywhere ascribed to Christ Jesus the Lord by the way of eminency.  “He dwelt among us, full of grace and truth;” [2] All that went before Christ Jesus was but typical and in representation; grace in the truth comes only by Christ. “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” the apostle John proclaims “and of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.”  It is by His graciousness that we are made acceptable before the All Holy God.  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him” [3]  “for it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell.” [4] And from this fullness He makes out a suitable supply unto all that are His; “grace for grace,” in words of the Apostle in John 1:16.  This graciousness of the Lord Jesus Christ is manifest according to the Apostle Paul.  The righteousness of God without the law is manifested; it is the purpose of the Gospel.  What is declared is not human works righteousness of any kind, but rather it is God’s righteousness in the Lord Jesus Christ that is revealed.  The Gospel is the demonstration, in concrete historical fact, of the perfect satisfaction which Christ rendered to all the demands of the law, and which God places to the credit of every true believer in Him.  Before God’s all Holy nature, sin had to be punished and true righteousness established.  This has been accomplished in the faithful obedience of the Lord Christ Jesus and His propitiatory sacrifice. Thus Christ’s faithfulness is proclaimed in v. 22, “even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ.  When the Bible declares that justification is God’s gift to the believer, it also shows in few words what this justification is.  Justification is found in and of Christ.  It is the demonstration of the faithfulness [5] of Jesus Christ, even unto death.  Such perfect rectitude is of God, and from God, “even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ” (v. 22).  The great news is that this absolute righteousness is “unto all and upon all them that believe.”  This is glory of the graciousness of Christ Jesus the Lord.  The Lord alone is exalted and gloriously and held on high, and souls are saved to the glory of His grace.

The claimed “motherhood of Mary in the order of grace” having a “saving office” “to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” is a direct effrontery to the person of Christ Jesus who is full of grace and truth. It is also an insult to the true character of the Mary of Scripture.  Likewise the citation from Irenaeus where it is absurdly claimed “she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” This infers a power of influence of her will with God, and actually ascribes to her as a cause the effective salvation of souls.  It is also a clouding of the original cause of the work of redemption by Christ as a product of the love of God.  The Bible teaches that the salvation of men is a divine initiative because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [6] In Holy we are taught that God is, “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” [7] and “longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression” [8] To direct any toward Mary in the hope of finding mercy by their means of influence with God, or, because of their personally gentle motherly disposition and willingness to accede requests, is an outright betrayal of a soul’s only hope in Christ Jesus, and a theft of the Glory and honor due to God alone for the provision of that hope. [9]

Parallel C: Christ has ascended into heaven as King of Kings

Mary declared assumed into heaven as Queen over all things

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

#966  “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:

In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.”

Parallel C: Biblical response

The Roman Catholic doctrine of the assumption of Mary teaches that she was assumed body and soul into heaven either without dying or shortly after death. This was made a dogma of faith in 1950. To deny this doctrine is a moral sin according to Rome’s teaching.  This is truly an absurd dogma since there is no Scriptural mention of it and there was not even any early tradition on the subject. 
This is admitted by such Roman Catholic scholars as Ludwig Ott when he states,
“The idea of the bodily assumption of Mary is first expressed in certain transitus–narratives of the fifth and sixth centuries.  Even though these are apocryphal they bear witness to the faith of the generation in which they were written despite their legendary clothing. The first Church author to speak of the bodily ascension of Mary, in association with an apocryphal transitus B.M.V., is St. Gregory of Tours +594” [10]  

In the teaching of the assumption of Mary the Roman Church has embraced and is responsible for promoting teachings which originated with heretical writings which were officially condemned by the early Church.

Besides the official teaching of the assumption, the same assumed Mary is proclaimed “Queen over all things.”  The popular prayer following the Rosary for the Catholics is the “Hail Holy Queen.” It starts, “Hail Holy Queen, mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness and our hope.”  This is the offering of ones life and hope to the Queen of Heaven.  The official litany of the Roman Mary calls her, “Queen of Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Prophets, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, Queen conceived without original sin, Queen assumed into heaven, Queen of the most holy Rosary, Queen of Peace” [11]

This is quite similar to what the perverse believers did in Old Testament times as recorded by the Prophet Jeremiah  “The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.” [12]

All of this is reminiscent of the ancient Phoenicians who called the moon Ahstoreth or Astarte, the wife of Baal and the Queen of Heaven.  In the same way the Babylonians worshipped the Queen of Heaven as Mylitta.   All of these were designed as if purposely to provoke the Lord God.  In chapters four and five of the Book of Revelation, we are given a quite detailed picture of Heaven.  God is seated on the throne, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures.  The Lamb the Lord Christ Jesus is on the throne.  Thousands upon thousands of angels circle the throne, singing God’s praises. There is no Queen of Heaven, for such would be an abomination to the Lord.  The Lord God alone is glorified. “Look to Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” [13]   Those who promote such worship to the Queen of Heaven “shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” [14]

Parallel D: Jesus Christ is the one Mediator to Mary also declared Mediatrix

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

#969  “...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the [Roman Catholic] Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.”

Vatican Council II Documents

No. 28, Lumen Gentium, 21 November 1964

Para. 60  “In the words of the apostle there is but one mediator: ‘for there is but one God and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a redemption for all’ (1 Tim. 2:5-6).  But Mary’s function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power.  But the Blessed Virgin’s salutary influence on men originates not in any inner necessity but in the disposition of God....”

Para. 62  “...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the [Roman Catholic] Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.  This, however, is so understood that it neither takes away anything from nor adds anything to the dignity and efficacy of Christ the one Mediator” [15]

Parallel D. Biblical response

The Church of Rome looks upon Mary as having also the role of mediator in the feminine form, Mediatrix. The issue of mediation between God and man is very serious because it is only in the one who is truly the God-man, Christ Jesus, that we can be brought into relationship with the All Holy God.  Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” [16]   The Father is God, and  Jesus, the Son, is the only way to the Father. The Apostle Paul also wrote, “There is one God and one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus.” [17] The Heavenly Father sent His only Son so that believers can come to Him directly through  “the man Christ Jesus”. To advance the claim that there is any other assistant Mediatrix, or go-between, is a bold lie.  In the words of the Lord, “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” [18]

The Vatican Council II explanation of how it is possible to have Mary in the role of Mediatrix is a classic example of Roman Catholic double talk.  While presenting two mediators, the claim is made that Mary does not “obscure or diminish from this unique mediation of Christ.” and “This, however, is so understood that it neither takes away anything from nor adds anything to the dignity and efficacy of Christ the one Mediator,”  Rather than upholding the truth of the Scripture, both paragraphs are highly inflated lies. This is proven by the actual practice of ordinary Catholics, which is taught to them by their priests, Catechisms, and Prayer books. These statements are fanciful mystical lies. They are intellectually dishonest reifications of fleshly imagination and stand “against the knowledge of God.” [19]  

Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father.  The Man Christ Jesus is the one mediator in heaven, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” [20]   These are solid Bible facts.  Yet historically, and at present, the Vatican officially denies these truths by proclaiming Mary as a feminine Mediator, and as the Queen of heaven.

The apparitions of “Mary” throughout the world endorse the official teachings of the Vatican and show how such teachings are lived out.  Sometimes she is presented as a co-mediator with Christ Himself, or as a high priestess on behalf of believers.  She often appears as the Queen from heaven.  For a detailed analyses of the messages of the apparitions of Mary, their demonic origins and their interactions with Popes, are contained the books Quite Contrary and Graven Bread. [21] . One is encouraged to investigate these issues further.  Upon doing so, one finds the Roman Catholic church allied with a demon and its messages of establishing ones own righteousness by self suffering, reparation, and prayer and obedience to one claiming to be Co-Redeemer, co High Priestess, even elevated Throne of God.

Parallel E: The Holy Spirit is the believer’s Helper and Advocate

Mary is declared Advocate and Helper

1. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

#969  “...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the [Roman Catholic] Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress….”

Parallel E: Biblical response

What is so serious regarding these titles is the fact that in the Bible the Comforter, the Helper sent to take the Lord’s place on earth for believers and indwell them, is the Holy Spirit.  He abides with believers forever (John 14:16).  He brings to mind Christ’s words (John 14:26).  He testifies not to Himself but to Christ (John 15:26).  He guides believers into all truth (John 16:13).  Truly the Holy Spirit is another Advocate, a divine Helper, the Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth.  The seriousness of teaching that these divine roles of the Holy Spirit, and that of Christ Jesus as sole mediator belong also to “Mary” is that such teaching denigrates the divine Persons of the Lord Christ Jesus of the Holy Spirit.  This is grave heresy.  The knowledge of the way of Salvation comes by the declaration of the Word of God, and a true appreciation of the urgent need to be reconciled to God is conveyed to a soul who hears that Word declared by the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, not some Lady substitute.  The Word of Truth alone is the means of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit alone is the only effective minister in applying it.  Pope, John Paul II, proclaimed the whole concept of “Mary” subsuming the role of the Holy Spirit in leading people to God, on May 13th, 2000 at Fatima in Portugal, his words were,

 “According to the divine plan, ‘a woman clothed with the sun’ (Rev. 12:1) came down from heaven to this earth to visit the privileged children....She asks them to offer themselves as victims of reparation, saying that she was ready to lead them safely to God.  And behold, they see a light shining from her maternal hands which penetrates them inwardly, so that they feel immersed in God...” [22]

The Pope’s assertive language at Fatima in Portugal was mystically flavored Marian fanaticism misusing the Word of God itself to arrogate to an ordinary woman, the Holy Spirit’s role of leading us to God.  No one would be more appalled at this than the true Mary of Bethlehem-Judah.  The official teaching of Rome, and the appealing words of the Pope, are summarized in the famous Catholic prayer called the   “The Memorare,”

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired then with confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen”

This prayer implies that though God my fail to answer, the “most gracious Virgin Mary” never will. This is the very height of idolatry.  Polytheism has always been a besetting sin.  The Lord God’s commandment still stands. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” [23]

Parallel F: Christ Himself with the Father the Holy Spirit, is God, the all Holy One

Mary also is the All Holy One

The parallel in which the Roman Catholic “Mary” is declared the cause of salvation, Advocate, Helper, Mediatrix, is blasphemous. That is, it is an attempt to place on a human person the divine roles.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) adds insult to blasphemy in attempting to call “Mary” the All Holy One, and the source of holiness.  This irreverent teaching attempts theft from the very essence of the divine Glory.

A. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

 #2677  “By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the ‘Mother of Mercy,’ the All Holy One.”

#2030  “From the [Roman Catholic] Church he learns the example of holiness and recognizes its model and source in the all-holy Virgin Mary...”

Parallel F: Biblical response

God is infinite, eternal, unchangeable in His being wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.  He is the all Holy One.  His Holiness is the attribute that covers all attributes so that His righteousness is Holy, His truth is Holy, His justice is Holy.  He is each of His attributes and the overall attribute of holiness is that which separates Him from all beings.  He is totally other.  The reason why we need to be saved before the All Holy God is because in the words of 1 Samuel 2:2 “there is none holy as the Lord there is besides Thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”  And, again, in Revelation 15:4 is found, “who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorify Thy name for thou only art holy and all nations shall come and worship before thee.”  This is of utter seriousness in the words of Isaiah. 6:3  “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” To attempt to address a creature as the “All Holy One” is consummate blasphemy and high hand idolatry.

 Conclusion

The Bible not only establishes Who God is, but it excludes all others from that glory.  Similarly, the Bible not only teaches Who the Lord Jesus Christ is, but it also excludes all others from His roles. And finally, Scripture declares the Person and role of the Holy Spirit and bars all others from His role.  These Bible truths exclude all Roman Catholic teaching that parades their ‘Mary’ as “the All Holy One,” “Immaculate Conception,” “Mother in the order of grace”, Queen of Heaven , Mediatrix, Advocate, and Heavenly Helper, “I am the Lord; that I My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.” [24]

While we have seen that the false Mary of Roman Catholicism is not parallel to Christ Jesus, nor the Holy Spirit but an abomination to God and His Word, there is a parallel of the false Mary to Pagan Goddesses however that is quite revealing.  Similar to the Roman Mary Goddesses do not need salvation; they are the ones who claim to cause it. Goddesses do not have human children.  They are often called the “Queen of Heaven” and are invoked to make supernatural things happen through special objects and special verbal formulas.  Goddesses do not die.  They are prayed to in worship.  The Catholic Cult of the ever-virgin Mary the Queen of Heaven leads one into the occult and not surprisingly is found in the occult.  The Roman Virgin Mary is included among the goddesses.  This may be seen on the following web sites:  The Spiral Goddess Grove, The White Moon, and Goddess 2000.  They consider Mary to be the “Divine Feminine” and say that for centuries, many people have blended their ancient goddesses with Mary. [25]

While the Scriptures tell us that, “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” [26] it still comes as a shock to see, the Prince of Darkness, the most alien to the light, misuse the wonderful believer Mary until she appears as a Goddess.  The Lord’s command and promise stand in face of this malicious doctrine and practice, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” [27]

Rome’s message regarding her manufactured Mary has have attempted to steal the uniqueness and glory of Christ and the unique roles of the Holy Spirit.  The Pope makes no secret of where he stands, sincere Catholics must know that to remain loyal to the Pope in exalting the Queen of heaven is to spurn the exclusivity and splendor of Christ and His Gospel.  The Word of the Lord speaks clearly, “If it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served…or the gods of the Amorites…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” [28] ¨

Notes